The Beartla Ó Flatharta Céilí Band
Hailing from Leixlip in north County Kildare, the Beartla Ó Flatharta Céilí Band are recognised as one of Ireland finest exponents of Irish traditional dance music. The band was formed in 2008 by childhood friends who grew up playing music together, forming lasting friendships through the Leixlip branch of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann. The band is named in memory of the late Connemara native Beartla Ó Flatharta, a piper, button accordion player and a sean-nós singer and two of his daughters, Róisín and Úna play in the band.
Since the formation of the band, past and present members have contributed to the development of their unique Kildare style of Céilí Band playing – an exciting brand of music, delighting audiences throughout the island of Ireland while remaining true to the traditional style handed down by the great musical masters.
The band has competed over the years in the Senior Céilí Band Competition, winning numerous Kildare and Leinster titles. In 2024 and after a six-year hiatus, the band decided to return and compete once again and were crowned the All-Ireland Champions at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Wexford. Their debut album ‘Amongst Friends’, has been just released and celebrates the spirit of friendship, family, and tradition that has always defined their music.
The band members are Colm Hanley (fiddle), Colm Ó hArgáin (fiddle), Finóla Lawlor (fiddle), Seán Keane (fiddle), Elaine Clarke (flute), Ann-Marie Grogan (flute), Róisín Ní Fhlatharta (accordion), Gearóid Keane (concertina), Úna Ní Fhlatharta (drums) and Declan Magee (piano).